The New Sprinter

Nestled in the top center of the Sprinter’s windshield is a forward-looking camera “eye” for the van’s optional Lane Keeping Assist system, designed to help drivers keep the vehicle in its proper roadway lane.

Along with redesigned headlights, front grill, and bumper is the optional Collision Prevention Assist system, which uses forward-looking technology hidden behind the left portion of the bumper to help drivers maintain safe following distance and reduce the potential for rear-end collisions.

Hidden behind the side panel near the yellow land change blinker is one of two side-scanning radar devices that are part of the optional Blind Spot Assist system, designed to warn drivers of vehicles that are hidden from vehicle in their blind spot when they seek to change lanes.

A new 156 hp OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine in combination with a new 7-speed “G-Tronic Plus” automatic transmission will be the standard powertrain for U.S.-bound Sprinter vans – a stark contrast with European Sprinter models, as almost half of those are sold with manual gearboxes.

Mercedes Benz said its newly redesigned Sprinter, unveiled in Europe this week, is the third generation of this particular style of commercial van – a design first introduced in 1995, almost two decades ago. Yet the main reason Mercedes decided to craft a “third generation” Sprinter rests with the need to incorporate a range of new technologies that only became practical for use in commercial applications over the last few years.